It's Monday, which would normally suck, but a co-worker stopped by the cube today with two tickets to the game that he couldn't use. So, not only am I skipping the gym, and going to the game instead (!), but I've got a valid reason to take off early so that I can get there on time. (!! 6:05 start).

Anyhow, without further ado, I present the Back-Channel Relations post for the Mets series. For our previous informative Q&A's, check out the Back Channel Relations Directory.

Opponent/Enemy: The New York Metropolitans.
Discussing string theory with me: Eric Simon of Amazin' Avenue
No fair, I had to answer an extra question: Linky Linky

Q: Before the unbalanced schedule, the Cubs and Mets used to have quite a rivalry, mainly because of the '69 Cubs collapse. Last year, the Mets had a similar, if not worse collapse. Do you feel an especial hatred, or intense rivalry with any team this year? Do you blame another team, or just the Mets. What are your thoughts?

I don’t have the animus I once had for opposing teams, but the Phillies stick in my craw a bit right now. They’ve got a number of great hitters and one terrific pitcher (plus a wife-beater and some junkballers), but they were the better team down the stretch last season and deserved to win the division. The Mets’ pitching fell apart in September, the bullpen couldn’t hold a lead, and they crumbled at the most inopportune time. The Mets’ epic undoing was their own fault, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t derive some joy from watching the Rockies hand it to the Phillies in the LDS last October.

Q: How happy were you with the Johan Santana trade? Tell us about the prospects the Mets gave up. Who will ultimately be the 'winner' of the trade?

I think the Mets gave up a lot, both in terms of potential and cash, but it’s hard to be unhappy when you acquire a guy like Santana. He’s one of the few best pitchers in baseball and he’s still just 29. This sort of opportunity doesn’t come along very often, so I think it was a good move for the Mets. I think the trade will work out well for both teams in the long run, but obviously I’m happy with what the Mets got now.

The most MLB-ready player the Mets gave up was Carlos Gomez, who is the Twins’ starting center fielder now and was ranked by most prospect publications as the Mets’ second-best farmhand (some had him first). He has great speed and a very good glove, though his bat could use some more seasoning. He doesn’t have much power right now and his plate discipline is non-existent. He’s still a kid, so there’s plenty of room for growth.

Phil Humber was the third overall pick in the 2004 draft, but he had Tommy John surgery a couple of years ago and he hasn’t fully regained his stuff. He’s pitching in Triple-A for the Twins this year.

Kevin Mulvey is also pitching in Triple-A. He’s a control pitcher, but has a pretty good fastball, too. He and Humber both look like 4-5 starters at this point.

The last player traded was Deolis Guerra, a now-nineteen year old RHP with good stuff but a long way to go before he sniffs the big leagues.

Q: This is the final year for Shea stadium. I visited last year and didn't think Shea was in that bad of shape. Do the Mets really need a new stadium, or is it just a case of keeping up with the Yankses? Are you excited about the new park?

I have plenty of fond memories of Shea, but it’s pretty dumpy. The concourses are small, the amenities are sparse, the bowels of the stadium are reminiscent of same. It’s not a hallowed baseball landmark like Wrigley or Fenway, so despite my nostalgia for the old girl I’m definitely excited for Citi Field. The seating capacity will be 10k or so fewer than Shea, but all of the photos and artist renderings really paint a classy portrait. If the Mets and the city of Flushing can clean up the “neighborhood” (read: chop shops) around the ballpark and give folks dining/shopping/drinking opportunities before and after Mets games then all the better.

Q: If you were forced to choose between keeping only one of David Wright or Jose Reyes, which would you keep, and why?

I love Jose Reyes, but David Wright is the easy choice here. Reyes has plenty of potential, but there are still occasional lapses (see: September 2007) where he looks rather pedestrian. Wright is already one of the handful of best players in the National League and he’s still only 25. There’s an awful lot to like and very little to improve upon, though odds are that he will actually get better. He’s a good kid, a good person, he gives of himself, he keeps his nose clean, he grew up a Met fan and he’s a helluva ballplayer. Here’s hoping he’s a Met lifer.

Q: Are the Mets a playoff team this year?

I think so. Even without Pedro Martinez they have one of the better starting rotations in the league and the core of Wright-Reyes-Beltran is up there with the three best position players of any other team in the NL, especially when you consider their positions (3B-SS-CF). Their bullpen has turned out to be a strength in the early going, too. That’s not to say that they aren’t without their share of issues. Despite the fine play of Angel Pagan so far, I expect regression to the mean to give him a swift kick in the teeth any day now. Ryan Church has been a pleasant surprise in right, but after a fast start Carlos Delgado is looking washed up (again) and Luis Castillo has been pretty worthless with the stick so far.

Thanks again, Eric. Your participation and late night hours are much appreciated. Now, loyal Goat Readers, here's a question for you: Which former rivalry do you miss the most from the good ole 'balanced schedule' days?